Category Archives: Making Wire Facings

#50 Mould Maker’s Loom Part 3, The Indexing Mechanism

The purpose of the Indexing Mechanism is simply to control the downward motion of the Traveling Beam (above). This beam is supported at both ends by square nuts; each fits into a notch created for it. These in turn are supported by a pair of Lead Screws, which are just full length pieces (3′ long)Continue reading “#50 Mould Maker’s Loom Part 3, The Indexing Mechanism”

#49 Mould Maker’s Loom Part 2, The Frame

Designing and building a functional loom requires working out details of how all of the mechanical parts interrelate before starting construction. This post is limited to decisions and dimensions that must be incorporated into the parts of the frame. Many of the dimensions used are somewhat arbitrary but I will emphasize those that directly affectContinue reading “#49 Mould Maker’s Loom Part 2, The Frame”

#48 Mould Maker’s Loom Part 1

This series of posts should allow for a better understanding of how this loom works. This first post is an overview of the four basic parts of the loom; the frame, the wire lifting mechanism, the indexing mechanism and the chain wire twisting mechanism. Later posts will give more detail on each of these inContinue reading “#48 Mould Maker’s Loom Part 1”

#47 Making a 24″ x 36″ Laid Facing

The largest laid facing I’ve made measured 30″ x 40″ but that was more than twenty years ago. Until now I hadn’t hadn’t made a very large facing on my new loom. There was no reason to think that it wouldn’t work but I was pleased to get a positive result. This mould maker’s loomContinue reading “#47 Making a 24″ x 36″ Laid Facing”

#25 Wove Backing

A wove mould’s backing layer is similar to that of a laid mould. I’m not sure why but wove backing wires are usually more closely spaced than those used for laid moulds. At least this was the case with the moulds I was able to examine when getting started years ago. The counting wheel ofContinue reading “#25 Wove Backing”

#21 Making a Backing on the Loom

Another post details the process of making a laid facing. Most of that information also applies to this post so it is worthwhile to review both to gain a fuller picture. The mould is ready to receive its wire parts. A wire backing fresh off the loom is curvy but will flatten out when tapedContinue reading “#21 Making a Backing on the Loom”

#20 Making Laid Facings

For a detailed look at how this loom functions go this site: paper.lib.uiowa.edu/epm*. Here you will find an extensive list of related internet links. Near the bottom of the list select “Z3”. It will take you to a video that I made of the process of making a laid facing on this loom. The qualityContinue reading “#20 Making Laid Facings”

#19 Straightening Paper Mould Laid Wires

Wire can be purchased in coils or on spools. In either case the wire comes off curved. In order to make a laid paper mould facing or backing it is necessary to make it much straighter. Above, a piece of .0226″ diameter 1/2 hard phosphor bronze wire right off the spool resting on some ofContinue reading “#19 Straightening Paper Mould Laid Wires”